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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-02-2016 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Rick Meyers, Commissioners Brenda Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Sarah Lindahl, and Paul Pesek. Representing Staff were Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards, Planning Director Michael Gaffron, and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair Meyers called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the March 7,2016,Park Commission Meeting Bryce Johnson requested the minutes be corrected on Page 7, last paragraph, to read proposed signs rather than signs;that Paragraph 1 read as follows: "Johnson stated it might be worth taking the French Creek mockup that he showed the Park Commission previously; and Paragraph 2 to read$200 rather than $100. Bryce Johnson moved,Pesek seconded,to approve the minutes of the March 7,2016,Park Commission meeting as corrected. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENT Patty Affeldt, 4765 Tonkaview Lane, stated she has read about the Park Commission making some improvements to Saga Hill Park and that she is glad to hear that they will be removing the buckthorn in that area. Affeldt indicated Shirley Bole, Gene Rausted, and herself started the Saga Hill Preservation Society a number of years ago in response to the amount of development that was happening in the area. Affeldt stated when she heard that the Park Commission was discussing possible improvements at Saga Hill, she became curious about what they were thinking about for upgrades. Bryce Johnson stated the minutes of the last Park Commission meeting reflect what was discussed regarding the park, but that basically the Park Commission believes that Saga Hill is a resource to the City and that people might not be utilizing it as much as they could. The Park Commission wanted to do a little more research into the historical and ecological significance of the park, but that they were considering erecting a historical sign at the sign. Affeldt commented the park has a lot of rich history that would be worth noting. Bryce Johnson stated the Park Commission would like the residents to know about the history of the park and include some of that information on a sign. Johnson stated the Park Commission would like to involve the neighbors in a discussion regarding possible improvements prior to anything being done. Affeldt indicated she would like that. Meyers stated the Park Commission is looking at areas the park can be improved and whether the park is being used in the best possible way. Page 1 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Affeldt noted there are ten acres of buildable land but that the rest of it is in a land trust. Affeldt stated it is quite easy to get lost and that she has had to draw up maps for the neighbors in the past. Meyers stated that is why the Park Commission is discussing the possibility of erecting a sign outlining the trails. Bryce Johnson stated before the sign is finalized,the Park Commission would like to show it to the neighbors to get their thoughts on what the sign should contain and whether it is accurate. Affeldt commented the park is very beautiful in its natural state and that the residents appreciate the fact that it is a very natural area, especially with the recent development of the golf course. Meyers stated the Park Commission would love to meet with her and get her ideas of what she would like to see preserved. Bryce Johnson stated he would be interested in any information she has regarding the history of the park. Affeldt indicated she would be happy to drop the information off. Affeldt noted there is also a book entitled,"The Saga of Saga Hill,"that contains some interesting information. Meyers stated the City is looking at all its parks to see where improvements can be made and that the Park Commission would be more than happy to work with the neighbors on the upgrades. Bryce Johnson stated the residents could also attend the Park Commission's next work session scheduled for Monday,June 6. Johnson stated the Park Commission could be somewhat flexible on the time of the meeting. Meyers requested Bryce Johnson keep Ms. Affeldt apprised of the work being done by the Park Commission and to obtain some possible times for when the neighbors could attend the work session. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2. LIVINGSTON PARK/GIRL SCOUT EVENT Meyers reported the Girl Scouts will be planting the pollinator garden on May 17 at 4 p.m. The group will be meeting at Norling's Landscape prior to going to the park. Meyers noted he will be unable to be there due to a prior commitment. Meyers stated Emily from Norling's will be doing a little presentation to the group about the pollinator garden and the plans for that area. After the meeting at Norling's, the Girl Scouts, along with their moms, will be going to the park and planting the plants. Meyers noted Adam Edwards and Julie Ruegemer have indicated they will be there. After the park is finished, Meyers suggested a ribbon cutting ceremony be held, with the Girl Scouts being invited to attend. Page 2 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers noted the other pollinator garden will be completed by Boy Scout Will Sutton,who is looking to complete the work sometime in June or July. Meyers indicated he will be prepping the area so it will be ready to be planted. STAFF REPORTS 3. LAKE WEST DEVELOPMENT,3245 WAZYATA BOULEVVARD PRELIMINARY PLAT Gaffron stated the City is in the process of reviewing a subdivision application for a residential development located on the former Eisinger property at 3245 Wayzata Boulevard. The site is located west of the Dumas Orchard and southeast of Lurton Park. The applicant is proposing 27 single-family homes as part of this development on Z-shaped lots. The Planning Commission reviewed the preliminary plat at its April meeting and recommended conditional approval. One of the concerns raised at the Planning Commission meeting was whether Hennepin County would allow two access points. If the two access points are not approved, significant changes would need to be made to the plan. An amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan is being requested to allow development of the property at a net density of approximately 5.5 units per acre rather than the guided density of 10-15 units per acre. The applicants are also requesting the site be rezoned to Residential Planned Unit Development. Due to the difficulty of developing a public trail along Wayzata Boulevard because of wetlands abutting the traveled roadway both east and west of the development site, the Planning Commission did not include a public trail in their recommendation. The Park Commission is being asked to review the City's trail and park plans and recommend whether there is a need for public park land on this site, whether public trail easements or trail construction should occur, or whether the applicant should simply pay a Park Dedication Fee for this development. Gaffron displayed the development plan on the overhead and illustrated the location of the internal sidewalk system. In addition,the applicant has suggested that some of the landfilled area could be developed for housing if the area is mitigated. Otherwise the applicant has indicated he would be willing to donate nine areas in the landfilled area for public recreational land. Meyers asked how many units could be built in that area. Gaffron indicated they could possibly construct 20 to 30 single-family homes or a multi-family building. Gaffron stated the Park Commission should make a recommendation on whether a dedication of park land should be made or whether the applicant should simply be required to pay the park fee. The standard park fee for this property based on 27 new building lots ranges from a minimum of$3,250 per lot and a maximum of$5,550 per lot, for a potential total fee of$87,750 to $149,850. Gaffron noted one of the issues with a trail abutting the road is the close proximity of the homes to the easement as well as the steep topography in areas in addition to the wetlands. Page 3 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Brenda Johnson commented a trail to Lurton Park would appear to be a good idea or else a pedestrian crossing of some type over the highway. Gaffron stated as you go west along Wayzata Boulevard,there are wetlands on both sides of the road, which would make it difficult to construct a trail in that area. Gaffron noted the City Council did require a 10-foot easement along the Orono Preserve property for a possible trail at some point in the future. Hennepin County and the Public Works staff are opposed to a trail in this area and would prefer the internal sidewalk system. Gaffron stated it would not cost the City anything to obtain an easement. Bryce Johnson noted the Park Commission did not feel an easement was necessary on the Orono Orchard property given the difficulty in constructing a trail. Brenda Johnson stated wherever possible the City should obtain an easement as long as it does not preclude the developer from completing the development. Johnson stated in the future there might be a possibility for a trail of some type and that preserving that option would be a good idea. Pesek noted the apple orchard property will someday be developed. Pesek asked how far off the road the trail could be constructed. Gaffron indicated Hennepin County has a 100-foot right-of-way and that they would prefer any trail to be located on private property, which would place the trail 20 to 30 feet from the roadway. Meyers noted the developer would maintain the easement and that the City would incur no costs for the easement until such time as the trail is constructed. Bryce Johnson stated if the Council felt that an easement was desirable on the Orono Preserve property, that the Park Commission should do the same for this property. Sarah Lindahl stated in her view the easement would be fine. Meyers stated the City should always obtain an easement wherever possible since it does not cost them anything and the developer would still pay a park dedication fee. Meyers stated in the future things could change and that a trail might be desirable at some point. Meyers stated since the Council required an easement on the other property,there should be some consistency. Meyers noted the Park Commission also needs to discuss whether they would prefer park land or a park dedication fee. Meyers asked if the developer is proposing any specific land. Gaffron stated the developer has asked the City whether they are interested in any land on the landfill site but they have not proposed any specific land donation. The land in that area is fairly open space. Meyers noted the park land dedication would be in lieu of a park dedication fee. Meyers stated the question before the Park Commission is whether they would prefer park land over a park dedication fee. Meyers noted if the area is mitigated, an additional 20 to 30 units could be built and a park dedication fee would be required. Bryce Johnson suggested the Park Commission vote on the trail easement first before discussing the park dedication fee. Page 4 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers moved,Pesek seconded,to recommend the City obtain a 10-foot trail easement along Wayzata Boulevard. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. Brenda Johnson stated it is hard to say that the City has an interest in park space on this site since there is already a pool and a play area located across the street. Johnson stated in her view there are other areas of the City that would be more ideal for park space, and if other property in this area is developed,there would be an opportunity to obtain park land at that time. Meyers noted the land the developer is suggesting is located over the landfill. Lindahl stated she is not sure she can vote on the park land since she is not completely knowledgeable about all the issues and the pros and cons of park land in this area. Pesek commented he is not sure additional park land is needed in this area since there are a number of recreational activities available at the school. Gaffron noted the roads within the development are proposed to be private and that the Planning Commission recommended the western portion of the road be public. If the road is public, it would need to be 32 feet wide versus 28 feet. Gaffron stated there are a variety of issues with the road becoming public, which would also impact the layout of the homes. Staff does not believe that park land is necessary in this situation. Bryce Johnson stated he agrees with Commissioner Lindahl's comment that it is difficult to make a decision at this time. Johnson stated the Park Commission does not have a list of what the needs of Orono are for additional park space and that he is not clear whether Orono has other recreational needs that have not been considered. Johnson stated he cannot come up with an immediate answer and that perhaps the Park Commission should take a closer look at whether there is any use for park land in this area rather than just say a park dedication fee should be paid. Johnson asked when this will be before the City Council. Gaffron indicated it likely will be before the City Council on Monday for a first review but that it is dependent on whether Hennepin County will allow the second access. If the second access is not allowed,the plans would need to be dramatically changed. Bryce Johnson stated with that piece of information, it would seem to be premature for the Park Commission to take the park dedication fee before considering if there are any unmet recreational needs in the City. Lindahl asked why Staff is not interested in park land in this area. Gaffron indicated it is not included in the City's Comprehensive Plan or Park Plan at this time. Gaffron stated the City will be doing a review of the Comprehensive Plan and Park Plan in the near future and that if the Park Commission feels there are specific areas the City should focus in,they can make recommendations to that effect. Gaffron stated at this point it probably is not necessary to require a park land dedication. Page 5 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated part of the Park Commission's job is to think about parks and where the City needs them. Meyers noted the 27 homes will have their own little park, Lurton Park is located nearby, and there are recreational facilities available at the school. Meyers stated he has concerns with the City taking over ownership of a parcel of land that is located over a landfill. Meyers stated a baseball field could possibly be built over the landfill but that the City has a number of other ball fields already and the residents probably would not like a big ball field in this area. Meyers noted this land is located on the western edge of the City and would likely not be a big draw. Meyers stated the Park Commission needs to do their due diligence prior to the meeting and then be prepared to act on the items at the meeting. Meyers noted there will be an internal park within this development, Lurton Park is located across the street, and that the residents will also be able to use the City's other parks and beaches. Meyers asked what the anticipated cost of the homes will be. Gaffron indicated they will be in the $600,000 range. Brenda Johnson stated given the proposed density, it would be nice if they plant trees and have a more natural setting. Johnson stated she would hate to preclude that. Gaffron noted the developer is proposing an internal trail. Gaffron stated they could plant trees on top of the landfill site but that he is not sure what the value of that would be, especially given the internal sidewalk system. Meyers asked what other information the Park Commission would like to have on this item before making a decision. Meyers noted the City Council is expecting the Park Commission to make a recommendation on this in the near future. Bryce Johnson stated since the development is in the early stages, he would like to have an opportunity to possibly have a brain-storming session on whether the City has other recreational needs that they have not envisioned yet. Meyers asked whether the Commissioners would like to visit the site to get a feel for the lay of the land. Gaffron stated if the application goes to the Council on Monday, there will likely be a vote on the preliminary plat approval, with the resolution going back before the Council a few weeks after that. Gaffron stated the Comprehensive Plan Amendment will likely be delayed unless the City hears back from the Metropolitan Council. Gaffron stated the Park Commission probably has a month to make a recommendation and that it is probably not critical to make a recommendation tonight. Gaffron stated the Park Commission could discuss this at their next work session. Meyers noted the next work session was to discuss Saga Hill, and that perhaps it would be helpful for the Park Commissioners to tour the site. Meyers noted this is not prime Orono real estate and was formerly a dump. Meyers stated if the developer pays a park dedication fee, that would allow the City to do other things as well and that park land may not be necessary in this situation. Pesek asked how much the City would receive in Park Dedication Fees. Page 6 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Gaffron indicated it would be somewhere between $88,000 and $150,000 for both parcels. Gaffron stated if the Park Commissioners would like to visit the site,the easiest way to access the property would be to utilize the driveway to the existing house. Meyers stated he does not want to delay this for very long and that Lindahl requested Staff compile a list of pros and cons for park land in this area. Meyers noted that the Park Commission should really do that and that Mr. Gaffron has already indicated that he does not feel a dedication of park land is necessary for this area. Gaffron stated there are a number of issues associated with the area that make it questionable whether park land would be desirable and that the Park Commission should decide whether they would rather have the money from the Park Dedication Fee. Meyers noted if the City does take the land, it will cost some money to develop the site and that it likely will sit vacant for some period of time. Gaffron stated there is nothing unique about the area other than it being open space that likely will not be used for anything else. Gaffron noted the old landfill likely contains all kinds of debris but that it was capped a number of years. Meyers commented he really is not interested in the City owning a portion of a landfill given the issues that could arise. Meyers noted there is not a full Park Commission tonight and that the application could be tabled to allow the Commissioners an opportunity to tour the site. Meyers stated he personally is not interested in the City obtaining this park land. Meyers asked whether the site is located in the MUSA system. Gaffron indicated it has been included in the MUSA system since 2008. Bryce Johnson stated he is uncomfortable with thinking that it is either park land on the site or receiving money. Johnson stated the whole purpose of the Park Dedication Fee is to consider the needs of the new development and that the Park Commission should give some further thought to it. Meyers stated the Park Commission will need to discuss that as well. Meyers moved,Brenda Johnson seconded,to table Item No.3,Lake West Development,3245 Wayzata Boulevard West. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. 4. ORONO THUNDER SOCCER PUBLIC SERVICE AT PARKS Edwards noted he did receive some feedback on this item from a couple of the Park Commissioners regarding possible service projects at their parks. Edwards noted that Becky, the City's seasonal employee, is back on duty at this time and her first task was to tour every park and compile a list of maintenance items that should be done. Edwards indicated he then took that list and took some of the appropriate items and placed them on the park service project list. Page 7 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards stated it would be helpful to have a standing list of park service projects since there appears to be more interest by groups offering to help with different projects and that he would encourage the Park Commissioners to notify him of any small projects they would like to have added to the list. Edwards stated the Orono Thunder Soccer League is interested in doing some community service projects on May 21 and that they have a number of children willing to help out on that day. Edwards stated they will be cleaning up the recreational fields at the school and other parks in the City. Lindahl stated at Crystal Bay Park there are two flower boxes that typically have flowers in them that are donated by Kelly& Kelly. Lindahl asked if that could be a service project. Edwards indicated planting flowers could be a service project and that the City would then maintain it. Other possible projects include spreading wood chips and cleaning up dead branches. Meyers stated Commissioner Lindahl could arrange for the flowers and then coordinate with Edwards on the planting. Edwards stated if the Park Commissioners could be at their parks that morning, they could oversee any service projects they have. Brenda Johnson asked if there is any possibility of doing thistle removal at Seven Nations Park. Johnson indicated there are so many thistles at that park that she has heard it is hard to walk dogs. Edwards stated he has not done anything at that park yet. Edwards stated he tends not to have volunteer groups do projects that involve power tools or chemicals. Meyers suggested they spread wood chips at French Creek. Edwards indicated he has already sent the service project list to the Orono Thunder. Bryce Johnson stated the trail at Highwood Park could use some clearing. Edwards stated he could send some of the Public Works employees out there to cut down some trees that need to be removed so the group can clear them. The Park Commission took no formal action on this item. 5. LURTON PARK TRANSITION TO OFF-LEASH DOG PARK UPDATE Edwards stated last Monday the City Council approved the plan for the off-leash dog park, with the money coming out of the Park Dedication Fund. The City Council decided not to include the well, the wind sails, and the additional benches and picnic table. The City Council would like to seek donations for the wind sails and the benches and table. Edwards stated he is finalizing the process of soliciting quotes from contractors for installing the fence and expanding the parking lot. Edwards noted he will need to request a variance for the fence next to the wetland or else the fence will need to be moved back 150 feet. Page 8 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards indicated the Lurton family is very enthusiastic with the new plans for the park. Staff will need to do some more work on the fee schedule. Bryce Johnson noted the Park Commission felt a critical item at the park was water for the dogs. Edwards stated the City Council felt the dog owners could bring water with them and that they would like to wait on the well to see what type of interest in generated in the park. Bryce Johnson asked what the cost of the well was. Edwards stated to his recollection it was approximately $17,000. Meyers commented he is hopeful the well will be installed at some point. The Park Commission took no formal action on this item. 6. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER UPDATE Edwards reported the Public Works Department has completed painting and repairing of picnic tables and park signs. Becky has also compiled a list of maintenance items that need to be completed at the parks. Edwards noted the City's park supervisor has resigned to take on another position with a different city and that he is currently short-handed. Edwards stated he is hopeful a replacement can be found in the next few weeks. Edwards displayed the list of work that has been completed at each park as well as the pending work. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 7. PARK SIGNS Bryce Johnson reported work is progressing on the signs. A draft of the sign the Park Commission approved was'sent to the sign designer. The recurring theme to the signs will be the blue border at the top and bottom of the sign along with the font and general layout. Johnson indicated they will attempt to match the blue color that is on the City's logo. 8. COMMISSIONERS' UPDATES Bryce Johnson reported that the Orono Baseball Association did receive the grant for Bederwood Park from the Twins and that the matching funds from the City will come out of the Park Dedication Fund. Meyers requested the Park Commissioners visit the Eisenger property on their own and come to a decision on the land donation. ADJOURNMENT Meyers moved,Brenda Johnson seconded,to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 8:50 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. Page 9 of 10 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 2,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. ATTEST: rz )/\ , k *C-V\ y/- Rick Meyers, hair Page 10 of 10